Motor vehicles; prohibitions on the alteration of the height of the fender of a vehicle, provided
Summary
HB17 creates the “Alabama Squat Truck Law” and makes it unlawful to operate a passenger car or truck on Alabama highways if suspension, frame, or chassis modifications raise the front fender at least four inches higher than the rear fender. The bill defines how the fender height is measured and applies to vehicles altered in this way, while expressly exempting modifications made for bona fide commercial or agricultural purposes.
The bill establishes a graduated penalty structure for violations: up to a $50 fine for a first conviction, up to $100 for a second conviction, and $250 for a third or subsequent conviction. Prior convictions count only if they occurred within the previous five years. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Impact
HB17 would add a new traffic and vehicle equipment restriction to Alabama law by creating a specific offense targeting “squat” truck modifications, and it would authorize courts to impose fines for repeat violations. It affects drivers and owners of passenger cars and trucks operating on state highways, while preserving exceptions for bona fide commercial and agricultural vehicle alterations.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support in the House, passing its third reading with a large majority despite a small number of dissenting votes and abstentions. The voting history suggests the measure was generally viewed favorably as a public safety or vehicle regulation bill, with no committee transcript available to show extended debate or organized opposition.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the scope of the prohibition itself—specifically, whether the state should regulate this style of vehicle modification and how the four-inch threshold is measured and enforced. Another likely issue is the exemption for commercial and agricultural purposes, which narrows the bill’s reach and may have been intended to avoid affecting work vehicles. The recorded votes show limited opposition, indicating any disagreement was relatively minor compared with overall support.